Who does the speaker refer to when using the word "they" in Stanza 2 and Stanza 4 of "I, Too, Sing America"?
The speaker in Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too, Sing America" uses the word "they" in Stanza 2 and Stanza 4 to refer to the dominant white society that marginalizes and oppresses African Americans.
The Significance of "They" in "I, Too, Sing America"
In Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too, Sing America," the speaker's use of the word "they" serves as a poignant commentary on the racial inequalities and injustices faced by African Americans in American society. Through the repetition of "they" in Stanza 2 and Stanza 4, Hughes highlights the systemic discrimination and segregation that the speaker experiences.
In Stanza 2:
The speaker declares, "They send me to eat in the kitchen," conveying the degrading practice of segregation where African Americans were relegated to a separate, inferior space when dining. This act symbolizes the exclusion and marginalization that black individuals faced within their own country. By attributing this action to "they," the speaker specifically points to the white individuals who enforced such discriminatory practices.
In Stanza 4:
The speaker reaffirms their identity by stating, "I am the darker brother / They send me to eat in the kitchen / When company comes." In this stanza, "they" once again represents the white individuals who perpetuate the segregation and discrimination against the speaker. The reference to being sent to the kitchen when company arrives further underscores the societal norms that dictated black individuals should remain hidden or unseen in the presence of others, reflecting the prevailing racism of the era.
Confronting Racial Prejudices:
The use of "they" throughout the poem serves to emphasize the division and inequality present in society, where African Americans were treated as inferior and unworthy of equal treatment. By challenging these discriminatory actions and attitudes, the speaker asserts their resilience and determination to claim their rightful place in American society.
Through the repetition of "they" and the vivid imagery of segregation and exclusion, Langston Hughes' "I, Too, Sing America" powerfully addresses the racial prejudices and discriminations faced by African Americans, while also asserting their rightful inclusion in the American identity.